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Blashill wanted to make sure Sheahan approaches the 2017-18 season without any emotional hangover from how very badly last season went. Sheahan has taken to the task, establishing short-term goals for himself rather than focus on overall production. He infamously did not score at all last season until the very last game.

“The biggest thing I just wanted to make sure with him is that he keeps his confidence up,” Blashill said Thursday at Gila River Arena, where the Wings were scheduled to play an evening game against the Arizona Coyotes. “Riley is a 12-13 goal scorer in this league. He has proven that. That wasn’t by fluke. It wasn’t because he was playing with certain guys. It was because that is what he is.”

Sheahan has started the season on the fourth line, but “the biggest thing with him is, he’s a guy who without question can move up the lineup,” Blashill said. “He’s done it before. He’s just got to make sure his game is ready whenever the door of opportunity opens.

“I think he’s in a really good spot, to be honest with you. He sounded like he’s had a short memory with it. He had lots of chances last year; they didn’t go in. Odds defy that happens again. He is a good player in this league.”

Sheahan, 25, scored 14 goals two seasons ago, and 13 the year prior. He came into this season determined to redeem last year’s two-goal output.

“Just having a mentality where I can start fresh,” Sheahan said. “Things didn’t go the way I wanted to last year, but I am trying to forget about that and take things a little slower – set goals short-term and not worry so much about what is going to happen in the future. It’s just a little bit different of a mindset.”

Sheahan said one short-term goal is “I have to focus every shift on using my body. Just try to focus on being smart. If I get myself to the harder areas on the o-zone, the net-front and things like that, I can score some dirty goals and go on a roll from there.”

Fourth-line minutes aren’t conducive to much offense, but Sheahan is on one of the power play units, and had averaged nearly three minutes out on man advantages through the first three games.

“It’s always nice being out there, especially with the new rules, there’s a lot more power play time,” Sheahan said. “We’ve got a lot of skilled players in here, so going out there and being able to make plays is a lot of fun.”

Viva Las Vegas: The Wings emphasized they were focused on the Arizona game, but conceded Friday’s stop in Las Vegas for a game against the expansion Golden Knights intrigues. Henrik Zetterberg is among the few Wings who’s never even been to Las Vegas before. “It’s going to be fun to fly in there and play a game there,” he said. “It’s going to be special. I am looking forward to it.”

Niklas Kronwall called the prospect of playing a hockey game there “a little surreal. Obviously not known for hockey.

“It’s been a rough start with everything that’s gone on. I watched the little tribute that they did, the things they did before the game. Amazing. It almost gave you goosebumps.”

The Wings are the second visiting team to play at T-Mobile Arena, as Vegas had its inaugural home opener Tuesday. That night was emotional as the pregame ceremony honored the 58 people killed in the Oct. 1 Las Vegas shooting, and the first responders.

“Everything I saw, I thought it was first class,” Blashill said. “Now I think they are going to do some things for our game, more what they had planned for opening night, so good for them.”

The Wings are staying overnight and have what would normally be the annual rookies dinner planned, but there is a snafu. Martin Frk is the only rookie on the team, and he already has paid for one - last year, during his three-week stint with the Carolina Hurricanes. Players said they were likely to all pitch in to cover expenses.